Deputies, FBI investigate kidnapping scam

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating reports of a kidnapping that turned out to be an attempt to get cash from a Marathon couple.

The Associated Press

MARATHON, Fla. — The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is investigating reports of a kidnapping that turned out to be an attempt to get cash from a Marathon couple.

Deputies say the parents got a call Wednesday afternoon from a man who said he had their son and daughter. He told the parents he would release them in exchange for $1,500 in ransom money.

The parents suspected a scam at first. But they became concerned when they couldn't reach their children, ages 14 and 21. They called the sheriff's office.

Deputies accompanied them to Publix supermarket. The alleged kidnapper then instructed the couple to wire the money to Puerto Rico. But the children were located safe and sound just before he made the transaction.